After Accidentally Helping a Famous Streamer Who Forgot to Turn Off Her Dungeon Stream, I Began to Go Viral as a Legendary Explorer ~ The Introverted Me Accidentally Dominating with My Mysterious Skill 'Ignore Rules' - Chapter 56: The Outcast Honored Before the Nation
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Chapter 56: The Outcast Honored Before the Nation
“Next, Prime Minister Kunieda, please come forward.”
Announced the host, prompting the person seated in front of me to stand up.
— Prime Minister Masafumi Kunieda. A figure known to every citizen of Japan stood before me, and I found myself shrinking back in awe.
“Tsukushi Kirishima-dono.”
The host called out next, and I, stiff as a board, stood up from my chair.
Beside me, my mother—Yuri Kirishima—was dabbing her tears with a handkerchief. It wasn’t out of sadness but rather overwhelming joy and emotion.
“For exposing societal injustices and saving the citizens from crisis, we award Tsukushi Kirishima the National Honor Award”
— When I first heard this news, I was shocked, but this didn’t seem like a dream or a joke. Especially since I had received a similar call from the Cabinet Secretariat, and now, the real Prime Minister stood before me.
The National Honor Award. Simply put, it’s awarded to those who have made significant achievements in any field and brought hope to society.
This could be someone who achieved extraordinary results in sports or composed a song that moved many people.
Such awards are usually given to great figures, and I felt completely out of place receiving it.
However, Prime Minister Kunieda, standing before me with a serene expression, began reading the award certificate he held in his hand.
“Award Certificate. Tsukushi Kirishima-dono. Through your ‘exceptional efforts’ and ‘unyielding spirit’, you have protected many citizens as a leading dungeon explorer. Had Shivana, who suddenly appeared in the dungeon, been left unchecked, it’s easy to imagine the significant damage that could have spread to the outside world. Your brave figure pressing forward has inspired the nation, bringing dreams and emotions to the public and bright hope and courage to society. Therefore, we hereby present you with the National Honor Award. Prime Minister Masafumi Kunieda.”
I nervously accepted the certificate handed to me with both hands.
The sound of camera shutters from the press and the loud applause from the attendees was overwhelming. Being the center of attention from so many people was a strong stimulus for someone like me, who had always been just an outcast.
Following that, I received a monetary reward from the Prime Minister, and then the host directed us to stand together in front of the cameras. It seemed that I was about to have a few minutes of conversation with the Prime Minister.
“Kirishima-san, I’m delighted to meet you today. Actually, I’ve been watching your videos in my spare time and have become quite a fan.”
Prime Minister Kunieda said with a warm and friendly smile.
Although I don’t understand the world of politics, I’ve heard that he is greatly trusted by the citizens due to his political skills. He has been an active Prime Minister for over fifteen years, which is quite a long tenure compared to his predecessors.
“Haha… Thank you very much.”
In response to the Prime Minister, I managed a smile and replied,
“I was initially bewildered to receive such an incredible award. But knowing that my achievements have been of some help to others—it makes me very happy.”
“Ah, that’s wonderful. I wasn’t nearly as humble as you are, Kirishima-san, in my younger days.”
“Wahaha,” someone in the audience let out a laugh at his words.
There stood the Prime Minister, exuding an adult’s composure, in stark contrast to my rigid self. It was a clear display of the difference in life experience.
Then, after the formal greetings, the Prime Minister straightened his suit’s collar and switched to a more solemn expression.
“…In reality, it should have been us politicians who exposed the wrongdoings of the Dungeon Administration Ministry. I feel a responsibility as the Prime Minister for putting Kirishima-san in danger. I sincerely apologize for that.”
“No, no, don’t mention it. From what I heard, it seemed like the bureaucrats were acting on their own initiative…”
“Kirishima-san, you’re too kind. The government is currently investigating the Dungeon Administration Ministry. We are committed to ensuring that such mistakes are not repeated.”
I sensed that this was also an appeal to the public.
The malfeasance of Yayoi Goyama, a bureaucrat of the Dungeon Administration Ministry, had naturally brought scrutiny upon the government.
While it appeared that the events were actions undertaken independently by the Ministry’s bureaucrats, it wasn’t a situation that could be dismissed simply with claims of ignorance.
I had seen news reports daily, where journalists were posing sharp questions to the cabinet members.
“I’ll also do my best to achieve as many results as possible. Of course, I’ll be working alongside the streamer Miru Ayatsuki.”
“Yes, we support you. Please continue your efforts.”
With that, he extended his right hand.
I took it, responding to the handshake, but then…
“Hmm…?”
It seemed that the Prime Minister had a small piece of paper in his hand, which he was trying to pass to me.
“…”
Silently, I accepted the paper. Of course, I couldn’t check its contents there, so I decided to look at it later in a more private setting.
Our handshake was captured by the media’s cameras, marking the end of the award ceremony.